A Washington state lawmaker wants to make drug companies responsible for disposing of unused medicine that could end up in the environment or be abused by teens.
Democratic Rep. and Puyallup nurse Dawn Morrell says she’ll push legislation requiring pharmaceutical companies to set up and pay for a statewide drug disposal program, much in the way that electronics manufacturers are now required to recycle TVs and computers.
She has the support of a coalition of local governments, pharmacists, environmentalists and others who say it’s a safer alternative to flushing drugs down the toilet or drain.
A pilot program has collected 15,000 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter pills at participating pharmacies and clinics in six counties since 2006. But with public funding ending, the coalition is seeking a permanent, statewide solution, and they’re looking to drug manufacturers.
Medications that are improperly disposed of in the sewer system or landfills could enter drinking water sources, and could harm aquatic species in the wild.
Morrell and others say a statewide program that allows easy disposal also could help stem a rising trend in prescription drug abuse among teens, who often get drugs from medicine cabinets.
There is no statewide program to collect unwanted drugs, though many governments, police departments and other groups hold one-time take back events. (AP)
